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Every year on March 30, we observe World Bipolar Day to raise awareness, bust myths, and help people with the diagnosis begin their recovery journey. The aim of World Bipolar Day is to raise awareness of the condition and seek to lessen the stigma associated with it.
Individuals with bipolar disorder are more than diagnosed. They can lead healthy, rewarding lives with the right care and support. By increasing awareness, educating ourselves, and altering the way we talk about mental health, we may work to reduce the stigma on this World Bipolar Day.
World Bipolar Day: recognize common triggers and ways of dealing
It can be scary to seek treatment immediately. You can begin by identifying these common triggers and potential ways of dealing with them:
1) Difficulties with sleep
Sleep issues can develop as a result of emotional swings. They can also serve as a catalyst for mood swings and episodes of moodiness. In fact, sleep deprivation has been identified by researchers as the most often reported cause of mood episodes.
People with bipolar disorder must practice proper sleep hygiene because there is compelling evidence that sleep is one of the biggest bipolar disease triggers. Avoid activities that disrupt this schedule, such as staying up late, drinking alcohol, and ingesting caffeine. Instead, try to go to bed and wake up at regular, predictable times.
2) Substance Use
Recreational drug and alcohol use are recognized bipolar illness triggers that can result in manic, hypomanic, or depressed episodes.
Even light, infrequent use can be triggering for certain people, as alcohol and drugs alter the delicate neurochemical balance and may reduce the effectiveness of psychiatric prescriptions.
Talk therapy is another crucial component of maintaining your mental stability. People with bipolar disorder can better understand their illness, follow their treatment plan, and handle the effects of potentially dangerous behaviors brought on by mood cycling by working with a therapist.
3) Turbulent Relationships
Relationship problems of any kind may be stressful. The effects of such interpersonal problems may be amplified if you are already struggling with a mental health problem.
Episodes of bipolar disorder are frequently brought on by psychosocial pressure from family and friends.
Negative social interactions were among the situations that led to suicidal ideation in one study on bipolar individuals and suicidal thoughts. You and your partner can manage life with bipolar disorder together by seeing a therapist.
Bust the myths on World Bipolar Day
As we move forward with our understanding of this condition on World Bipolar Day, it is also crucial to bust the myths surrounding it. With the right information, it becomes easier to seek the right treatment:
Myth 1: Individuals with Bipolar Disorder are Moody
Mood swings or being moody are far different from the severe highs and lows of bipolar illness. Severe variations in energy, activity, and sleep are common in people with bipolar disorder.
Extreme highs and lows are experienced by those with bipolar disorder, but these are substantially different from the mood swings that all encounter.
An episode is unlikely to look like this: you wake up cheerful, become fatigued and irritated by lunchtime, and then feel happy again.
Myth 2: Enhances productivity
It might be challenging for those with bipolar disorder to maintain their level of productivity. According to research, a person may feel extremely energized and joyful in the early phases of mania.
Moreover, they can feel as though they require much less sleep than usual and may feel more important than usual. However, in any condition, it doesn't necessarily make them productive.
Myth 3: There is nothing you can do to assist a loved one who is suffering from bipolar disorder
Although there is no cure for bipolar disorder, a person who has it can substantially benefit from their social network and local services. There are various ways you may support someone with a diagnosis, and education can go a long way in learning how to do so.
You can provide support by listening without passing judgment, assisting a person in exploring available treatment choices, and encouraging self-help techniques like getting enough sleep and abstaining from drugs and alcohol.
Effective bipolar disorder treatment goes beyond managing the most recent symptomatology. In order to foster long-lasting growth, it instead supports you as a full person, assisting you in realizing your talents, aptitudes, objectives, and passions.
This World Bipolar Day reaches out to programs that can help you view yourself beyond your disorder and build a richer, more rewarding future by offering a comprehensive treatment experience.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
